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MIAMI PUTS UMD'S FROZEN FOUR PLANS ON ICE

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Bulldog senior tri-captain Andrew Carroll is consoled by assistant coach Steve Rohlik following Saturday's loss to 2-1 to Miami

The University of Minnesota Duluth's historic postseason run came to a crushing halt Saturday night as Miami University turned back the Bulldogs 2-1 in the NCAA West Regional championship at Mariucci Arena.

The Bulldogs (22-13-8 overall), riding a school-record six-game postseason winning streak, were continually rejected by Miami freshman goaltender Cody Reichard, who finished the game with 25 saves. Reichard and the RedHawks also shut UMD out on all six of its power play opportunities, including an extended 5-on-3 in the second period.

"Give [Reichard] a lot of credit, he made some good saves. He played well," said Bulldog head coach Scott Sandelin. "They capitalized on their opportunities, and we didn't"

Trailing 1-0 midway through the second period, UMD appeared to get on the board on a shot from senior defenseman Josh Meyers. The goal was reviewed however, and replay officials ruled that Bulldog right winger Justin Fontaine was in the crease illegally and impaired Reichard's vision, which resulted in the goal being taken off the board.

"I can't say what I want to say but they made the call and you have to live with it," Sandelin said.

Looking to emulate the dramatic comeback it produced Friday night in its dramatic 5-4 overtime win over Princeton, UMD nearly forced an extra session in the game's waning moments.

Down 2-0 late in the third period and with junior goaltender Alex Stalock off in favor of an extra attacker, the Bulldogs were able to avoid being shut out for the first time all season when senior center MacGregor Sharp smacked a loose puck past Reichard's glove with just over two minutes left in regulation. The goal, which was Sharp's 26th of the year, gave the senior center a total of 50 points for the season. It also extended Sharp's scoring streak to 11 games to end his UMD career.

The RedHawks (22-12-4) would not bend any further, however, and kept the Bulldogs off the board for the rest of the game. The loss ended UMD's bid for its first Frozen Four berth since 2004.

"Miami works small areas very well," Sandelin said. "We had some opportunities. We tried to do what we did last night and could only get halfway there."

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